So, I’ve been keeping an eye on Lilia Vu’s game lately, especially during the majors. It’s hard not to notice the person walking alongside her, carrying the bag. That’s her caddie, Cole Pensanti.
You watch them on TV, and you try to figure out the dynamic. He seems pretty low-key, not one of those super flashy caddies you sometimes see waving arms around or getting really worked up. Just seems like he’s there, doing the job, handing her clubs, maybe talking yardages.
My Process Watching Them:
- Tune In: First step, obviously, just watch the tournaments she’s playing in. Get a feel for how they operate under pressure.
- Observe Interactions: I pay attention during the moments between shots. How much are they talking? Does she seem to rely on him heavily for reads or club selection? Or is it more just confirmation? From what I can see, it looks like a pretty professional setup. He offers info, she takes it or leaves it.
- Note Consistency: He’s been on her bag for her big wins, like those two majors in 2023. That tells you something. Players don’t usually stick with a caddie through thick and thin, especially major wins, if things aren’t working reasonably well.
- Compare Dynamics: Then I think about other player-caddie pairs. Some are really intense, almost like a coach-player thing. Others are more like friends. Vu and Pensanti seem more business-like, focused. Maybe that’s what works for her.
My Take on It
Honestly, it’s tough to judge from the outside. Golf is such a mental game. Having someone steady on the bag, someone who knows your game and doesn’t add to the stress, that’s probably huge. Pensanti looks like that guy. He’s just… there. Consistent. Not adding drama.
You see Lilia having ups and downs, like any player. Sometimes she looks frustrated, sometimes she’s dialed in. Through it all, he seems to have the same demeanor walking next to her. That stability has got to count for something, right? Especially when you’re competing at that level where tiny things can make a big difference.
End Result?
From what I’ve observed, it looks like a solid working relationship. He does his part, she hits the shots. He was there for the massive highs of her career so far. You can’t really know the ins and outs without being inside the ropes, but from my couch, it seems like he fits what she needs: a calm, professional presence helping her navigate the course. It’s not flashy, but it seems effective for them.
